Gaming system and a method of gaming

ABSTRACT

A gaming system is disclosed that includes a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of the symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes available to a player, and a prize selector arranged to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the player. The system is arranged to hold the or each player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector. The system also includes an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists after at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector, and a prize allocator arranged to allocate the selected prize to the player when a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application relates to and claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/323,134, filed on Apr. 12, 2010, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming system and to a method of gaming.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide a gaming system which includes a game controller arranged to randomly display several symbols from a predetermined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win based on the displayed symbols. In some arrangements, a win outcome is defined on the basis of occurrence of symbols along defined win lines which may be preselected or selected by a player prior to display of symbols by the gaming system.

Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels on a graphical display device.

However, while such gaming systems provide users with enjoyment, a need exists for alternative gaming systems in order to maintain or increase player enjoyment.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming system including:

-   -   a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for         display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of         the symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes         available to a player;     -   a prize selector arranged to facilitate selection of at least         one of the displayed symbols by a player and thereby selection         of a prize sought by the player, the gaming system being         arranged to hold the or each player selected symbol at the or         each respective display position for at least one subsequent         selection of symbols by the symbol selector;     -   an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether a winning         combination including the at least one player selected symbol         exists after at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the         symbol selector; and     -   a prize allocator arranged to allocate the selected prize to the         player when a winning combination including the at least one         player selected symbol exists.

In one embodiment, the prize is associated with a progressive bonus.

In one embodiment, the progressive bonus is such that multiple gaming machines contribute towards a bonus prize pool, and a player of any of the gaming machines is able to win at least part of the bonus pool if the outcome evaluator determines that a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.

With this embodiment, the progressive bonus may be managed remotely from the gaming machines, for example by a networked jackpot server.

In an alternative embodiment, the progressive bonus is such that one gaming machine contributes towards a bonus prize pool, and a player of the gaming machine is able to win at least part of the bonus pool if the outcome evaluator determines that a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.

With this embodiment, the progressive bonus may be managed locally by the gaming machine.

In one embodiment, multiple progressive prize types may be available, for example corresponding to different prize amounts and corresponding different likelihoods of winning the prize.

In one embodiment, a prize may take the form of a defined number of free spins or a defined number of credits, or any other suitable prize.

In one embodiment, the prize selector is arranged to facilitate further selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player, and the display controller is arranged to hold the or each further player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector.

In one embodiment, the prize selector is arranged to facilitate 2 further selections of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player.

In one embodiment, during further selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player, the prize selector is arranged to facilitate selection of additional displayed symbols corresponding to previously selected symbols and thereby continued selection of the prize sought by the player, or deselection of previously selected symbols and selection of different symbols corresponding to a different prize sought by the player.

The gaming system may include a touch screen and/or buttons arranged to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player.

The gaming system may be arranged to operate in normal game mode wherein at least one base game is implemented using a set of base symbols, and special game mode wherein at least one feature game is implemented using feature symbols, wherein during a feature game:

-   -   the symbol selector is arranged to select a plurality of feature         symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at         least some of the feature symbols including indicia indicative         of respective prizes available to player;     -   the prize selector is arranged to facilitate selection of at         least one of the displayed feature symbols by a player and         thereby selection of a prize sought by the player;     -   the display controller is arranged to hold the or each player         selected feature symbol at the or each respective display         position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the         symbol selector;     -   the outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether a winning         combination including the at least one player selected feature         symbol exists; and     -   the prize allocator is arranged to allocate the selected prize         to the player when a winning combination including the at least         one player selected feature symbol exists.

The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a specific game outcome occurs.

In addition or alternatively, the gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode on the basis of a game event occurring during a base game such as display of a particular base symbol or a particular combination of base symbols, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a feature game is purchased by a player.

The gaming system may be implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network.

In one embodiment, one or more of the symbol selector, prize selector, prize allocator and the outcome evaluator is constituted, at least in part, by a processor executing program code stored in a memory.

In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a game play mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator evaluates the outcome based on the wager.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming including:

-   -   selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of         display positions, at least some of the symbols including         indicia indicative of respective prizes available to player;     -   facilitating selection of at least one of the displayed symbols         by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the         player;     -   holding the or each player selected symbol at the or each         respective display position for at least one subsequent         selection of symbols by the symbol selector;     -   determining whether a winning combination including the at least         one player selected symbol exists; and     -   allocating the selected prize to the player when a winning         combination including the at least one player selected symbol         exists.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program arranged when loaded into a computer to instruct the computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data signal having computer readable program code embodied therein for causing a computer to operate in accordance with a gaming system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of core components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of functional components of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented in the form of a stand alone gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of operative components of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of components of a memory of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention with the gaming system implemented over a network;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating game play of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of example base game symbols displayed by a gaming system in a display area in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game; and

FIGS. 9 a to 9 c are diagrammatic representations of example feature symbols displayed by a gaming system in a display area in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention during implementation of a game.

Features, further aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Also, various embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will be apparent from the appended claims, the following description and/or the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLES

Although the following discloses example methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus including, among other components, software executed on hardware, it should be noted that such methods and apparatus are merely illustrative and should not be considered as limiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of these hardware and software components could be embodied exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively in firmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Accordingly, while the following describes example methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus, the examples provided are not the only way to implement such methods, systems, articles of manufacture, and apparatus.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, in at least one embodiment, at least one of the elements is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible medium such as a memory, DVD, CD, etc. storing the software and/or firmware.

The present gaming system operates such that at least during some game implementations, when a particular trigger condition occurs, such as an outcome including a special symbol or an outcome including several scattered designated symbols, a plurality of feature symbols are selected from a set of feature symbols for display in a display area, the feature symbols representing prizes which are available to a player. During the game, a player selects displayed feature symbols corresponding to a particular prize and the selected feature symbols remain at the same position for one or more subsequent reel spins. If a defined combination of feature symbols are displayed after one or more subsequent reel spins, the player wins the particular prize.

In one embodiment, at least one of the prizes corresponds to a prize associated with a progressive bonus.

In the present embodiment, the gaming system is arranged to implement a base game using a set of base symbols and, when a trigger condition occurs, to implement a feature game using a set of feature symbols.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a schematic block diagram of a gaming system 10 arranged to implement a probabilistic game of the type wherein several symbols from a set of symbols are randomly displayed, and a game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed symbols. The system may have a single mode of operation or may be of the type including multiple game modes such as operable in normal game mode wherein a base game is implemented and special game mode wherein a feature game is implemented.

With some such probabilistic games, the set of symbols used during normal game mode include standard symbols and function symbols, and the game outcome is determined on the basis of the displayed standard symbols and the function associated with any displayed function symbol. For example, standard symbols may resemble fruit such as apples, pears and bananas with a win outcome being determined when a predetermined number of the same fruit appear on a display along a win line, or are displayed according to defined outcome patterns such as scattered, and so on. The function associated with a function symbol may be for example a wild function wherein display of the function symbol is treated during consideration of the game outcome as any of the standard symbols. A function symbol may be represented as the word “WILD”, a star, or by any other suitable word or symbol. Other functions are also envisaged such as scatter functions, multiplier functions, repeat win functions, jackpot functions and feature commencement functions.

Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of core components of a gaming system 10 in accordance with the present embodiment is shown. The core components include a player interface 30 and a game controller 32. The player interface 30 is arranged to enable interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes input/output components for the player to enter instructions and play the game.

Components of the player interface 30 may vary but will typically include a credit mechanism 34 to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays 36 which may include a touch screen, and a game play mechanism 38 arranged to enable a player to input game play instructions.

The game controller 32 is in data communication with the player interface 30 and typically includes a processor 40 arranged to process game play instructions and output game player outcomes to the display 36. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory 42 that can also be hardwired. It will be understood that in this specification the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions and may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device such as a personal computer or a server.

A functional diagram illustrating operative components of the game controller 32 is shown in FIG. 2.

The memory 42 is arranged to store base game symbols data 14 indicative of a plurality of base game symbols used during a base game, in the present example associated with a plurality of reels and, function data 16 indicative of one or more functions allocatable to the base game symbols, feature symbols data 17 indicative of a plurality of feature symbols used during a feature game, and game instruction data 18 indicative of game instructions usable by the gaming machine 10 to control operation of the game.

In the present embodiment, each of the feature symbols represents a prize which may be won by a player during special game mode, and the feature game is arranged so as to facilitate selection of a desired prize by a player by enabling a player to select one or more of the feature symbols representing the desired prize, and to award the player with the appropriate prize if a defined combination including one or more symbols representing the desired prize occurs.

The game controller 32 includes a base symbol selector 20 which is arranged to select several symbols from the base game symbols 14 for display to a player in a plurality of display positions, in this example by spinning reels containing the base game symbols and stopping the reels so as to display at least one base game symbol on each reel. In this example, the selection carried out by the base symbol selector 20 is made using a random number generator 22. The selected base symbols are communicated to a display controller which controls a display so that the selected base symbols are displayed in a display area.

It will be appreciated that the random number generator 22 may be of a type which is arranged to generate pseudo random numbers based on a seed number, and that in this specification the term “random” will be understood accordingly to mean truly random or pseudo random.

In this example, the game controller 32 also includes a function allocator 26 arranged to select and allocate one or more functions to one or more base symbols. Such functions include a wild function, a scatter function, or any other function which may be applied to a base symbol or to the game.

With this embodiment, the game controller 32 also includes a trigger determiner 24 arranged to determine whether a trigger condition exists and to cause the game controller 32 to implement special game mode when a trigger condition has been detected. During special game mode, a feature game is implemented. Such a trigger condition may be display of a particular symbol or combination of symbols such as display of a plurality of scattered symbols.

When special game mode is implemented the trigger determiner 24 communicates that special game mode has commenced to a feature implementer 25.

The feature implementer 25 includes a feature symbol selector 44 arranged to select several feature symbols from the set of feature symbols 17 for display to a player in a plurality of display positions, in this example by spinning reels containing the feature symbols and stopping the reels so as to display at least one feature symbol on each reel. In this example, the selection carried out by the feature symbol selector 44 is made using the random number generator 22. The selected feature symbols are communicated to a display controller which controls a display so that the selected feature symbols are displayed in a display area.

Using a suitable input device, such as a touch screen 27 or suitable buttons (not shown), and a prize selector 46 responsive to the touch screen 27, a player is able to select one or more of the displayed feature symbols, for example all symbols representing a particular desired prize. This serves to facilitate selection by a player of a desired prize, and also cause the feature implementer 25 to hold the selected feature symbols at the respective current positions for one or more subsequent spins of the reels.

In one embodiment, three reel spins are provided to a player and after the first two spins the player is given an opportunity to select one or more feature symbols which are to be held for the subsequent spin.

The game controller 32 also includes an outcome evaluator 28 which in accordance with the game instructions 18 determines game outcomes based on the symbols selected for display to the player by the base symbol selector 20 during normal game mode, and selected for display to the player by the feature implementer 25 during special game mode.

The game controller 32 also includes a prize allocator 29 arranged to allocate a prize to a player when a winning outcome exists, the type of prize being dependent on the winning outcome.

It will be understood that the available prizes may take various forms. In one embodiment, a prize may be associated with a progressive bonus of the type wherein multiple gaming machines contribute towards a bonus prize pool, and a player of any of the gaming machines is able to win at least part of the bonus pool if a defined condition occurs during game play. With this embodiment, the progressive bonus may be managed remotely from the gaming machines, for example by a networked jackpot server. In one variation, multiple progressive prize types may be available, such as Major, Minor and Mini prizes corresponding to progressively decreasing prize amounts and a corresponding increasing likelihood of winning the prize. In an alternative embodiment, a progressive bonus may be managed by individual gaming machines, whereby each gaming machine has a respective associated bonus pool. A prize may also take the form of a defined number of free spins or a defined number of credits, or any other suitable prize.

In the embodiments described below, the base symbol selector 20, the trigger determiner 24, the function allocator 26, the feature symbol selector 44, the prize selector 46, the outcome evaluator 28 and the prize allocator 29 are at least partly implemented using the processor 40 and associated software, although it will be understood that other implementations are envisaged.

The gaming system 10 can take a number of different forms.

In a first form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most components to implement the game are present in a player operable gaming machine.

In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components to implement the game are present in a player operable gaming device and some of the components to implement the game are located remotely relative to the gaming device. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming terminal and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming terminal is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player.

However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming device is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming device and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine 50 is illustrated in FIG. 3. The gaming machine 50 includes a console 52 having a display 54 on which is displayed representations of a game 56 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 60 of the gaming machine 50 houses a bank of buttons 62 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during gameplay. The mid-trim 60 also houses a credit input mechanism 64 which in this example includes a coin input chute 64A and a bill collector 64B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card.

A top box 66 may carry artwork 68, including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 69 of the console 52. A coin tray 70 is mounted beneath the front panel 69 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 50.

The display 54 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display 54 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video display unit. The top box 66 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 54, or of a different type. The display 54 includes a touch screen usable by a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play for facilitating selection by a player of one or more feature symbols during a feature game.

The display 54 in this example is arranged to display representations of several reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes are determined on the basis of the visible symbols together with any special functions associated with the symbols.

A player marketing module (PMM) 72 having a display 74 is connected to the gaming machine 50. The main purpose of the PMM 72 is to allow the player to interact with a player loyalty system. The PMM has a magnetic card reader for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. However other reading devices may be employed and the player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. In this example, the PMM 62 is a Sentinel III device produced by Aristocrat Technologies Pty Ltd.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of operative components of a gaming device 100 which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine shown in FIG. 3.

The gaming device 100 includes a game controller 101 having a processor 102. Instructions and data to control operation of the processor 102 in accordance with the present invention are stored in a memory 103 which is in data communication with the processor 102.

Typically, the gaming device 100 will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory 103.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory 103. The memory 103 includes RAM 103A, EPROM 103B and a mass storage device 103C. The RAM 103A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor 102 and related data. The EPROM 103B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device 103C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor 102 using protected code from the EPROM 103B or elsewhere.

The gaming device has hardware meters 104 for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface 105 for communicating with a player interface 120 of the gaming device 100, the player interface 120 having several peripheral devices. The input/output interface 105 and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. A random number generator module 113 generates random numbers for use by the processor 102.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller 101 include one or more displays 106, a touch screen and/or bank of buttons 107, a card and/or ticket reader 108, a printer 109, a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism 110 and a coin output mechanism 111. Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine 100, or hardware may be omitted based on the specific implementation.

In addition, the gaming device 100 may include a communications interface, for example a network card 112. The network card may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database.

It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming device 100 to be distributed, for example input/output devices 106,107,108,109,110,111 may be provided remotely from the game controller 101.

FIG. 6 shows a gaming system 200 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system 200 includes a network 201, which for example may be an Ethernet network, a LAN or a WAN. In this example, three banks 203 of two gaming devices 202 are connected to the network 201. The gaming devices 202 provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines 40,100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or may have simplified functionality depending on the rules, requirements, guidelines, and/or preferences for implementing game play. While banks 203 of two gaming devices are illustrated in FIG. 6, banks of one, three or more gaming devices are also envisaged.

One or more displays 204 may also be connected to the network 201. The displays 204 may, for example, be associated with one or more banks 203 of gaming devices. The displays 204 may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming devices 202, and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material.

In a thick client embodiment, a game server 205 implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming device 202 and the gaming device 202 implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server 205 and the gaming device 202 implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server 206 may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices 202 in a database 206A.

The gaming system 200 also includes a jackpot server 207 arranged to manage a progressive bonus of the type wherein each gaming machine 202 associated with the progressive bonus contributes to a bonus pool based on defined criteria. For example, each gaming machine may contribute a defined proportion of turnover to the bonus pool, or each gaming machine may be arranged to allocate a credit amount to the bonus pool based on defined criteria, such as based on occurrence of defined game outcomes. The progressive bonus operates such that a player of any of the associated gaming machines may win at least a portion of the bonus pool when a defined winning outcome occurs at the gaming machine.

In a variation of the above thick client embodiment, the gaming device 202 is a gaming machine arranged to implement the game, with the game server 205 functioning merely to serve data indicative of a game to the gaming machine 202 for implementation.

With this implementation, a data signal containing a computer program usable by the gaming machine to implement the gaming system may be transferred from the game server to the client terminal, for example in response to a request by the gaming machine.

In a thin client embodiment, the game server 205 implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming terminal 202 and the gaming terminal 202 essentially provides only the player interface. With this embodiment, the game server 205 provides the game controller. The gaming terminal will receive player instructions, and pass the instructions to the game server which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming terminal for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming terminal could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components.

Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming system 200, including for example a gaming floor management server 208 and a licensing server 209 to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal 210 is provided to allow an administrator to monitor the network 201 and the devices connected to the network.

The gaming system 200 may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall 211.

A loyalty program server 212 may also be provided.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server 205 could run a random number generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided.

Examples of specific implementations of the gaming system will now be described.

In this example, the gaming system is operable in normal game mode and special game mode and the gaming system includes five reels, each of which has an associated set of symbols.

During normal game mode, the reels include standard base game symbols and optionally one or more function symbols, and win outcomes are determined on the basis of the base symbols visible at the display positions when the reels stop rotating.

Typically, a player will purchase or otherwise obtain win entitlements such as several win lines which are used in the game to determine win outcomes. If the displayed symbols on the reels have symbols associated with a winning combination such as disposed on a win line, the player wins a prize.

The gaming system may be arranged to commence special game mode when a predetermined game outcome occurs, and special game mode may include one or more free games. Special game mode may commence automatically on the basis of a game event occurring during a game such as display of a particular symbol, based on game outcomes determined by the gaming system, or may be prompted by a player pressing a button on the gaming system 10, 40, 100 after the player has identified that a game outcome corresponding to special game mode requirements has occurred.

The gaming system 10, 40, 100 may also be arranged so as to determine eligibility for special game mode, for example based on the amount or type of bet placed, based on certain time periods and so on.

Special game mode may also be arranged to commence when a special game is purchased by a player.

A specific example will now be described in relation to flow diagram 250 shown in FIG. 7 which illustrates blocks 252 to 270 of a method of gaming implemented by the gaming system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram representative of example machine readable instructions that can be executed to implement one or more of the example systems shown and described herein and/or portions of one or more of those systems. The example process(es) of FIG. 7 can be performed using a processor, a controller and/or any other suitable processing device, such as the game controller 32 and/or other component of system 10. For example, the example process(es) of FIG. 7 can be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable medium such as a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), and/or a random-access memory (RAM). As used herein, the term tangible computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage and to exclude propagating signals. Additionally or alternatively, the example process(es) of FIG. 7 can be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium such as a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a cache, or any other storage media in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable medium and to exclude propagating signals.

Alternatively, some or all of the example process(es) of FIG. 7 can be implemented using any combination(s) of application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASIC(s)), programmable logic device(s) (PLD(s)), field programmable logic device(s) (FPLD(s)), discrete logic, hardware, firmware, etc. Also, some or all of the example process(es) of FIG. 7 can be implemented manually or as any combination(s) of any of the foregoing techniques, for example, any combination of firmware, software, discrete logic and/or hardware. Further, although the example process(es) of FIG. 7 are described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 7, other methods of implementing the process(es) of FIG. 7 can be employed. For example, the order of execution of the blocks can be changed, and/or some of the blocks described can be changed, eliminated, sub-divided, or combined. Additionally, any or all of the example process(es) of FIG. 7 can be performed sequentially and/or in parallel by, for example, separate processing threads, processors, devices, discrete logic, circuits, etc.

In the example of FIG. 7, five virtual reels are provided and, as such, representations of the reels are displayed on a graphical display device 54. During a base game, the reels are associated with a set of base symbols.

During implementation of a base game, the reels are spun and subsequently stopped in order to display a plurality of base symbols in a display area 300 (e.g., at blocks 254, 256), in this example three base symbols from each reel, as shown in FIG. 8. If a trigger condition exists (e.g., at block 258), for example if a particular combination of base symbols such as a scattered combination of base symbols is displayed, special game mode commences which causes implementation of a feature game. In the example shown in FIG. 8, 3 scattered CAT symbols 302 are shown on the display which triggers implementation of special game mode and thereby a feature game.

During special game mode, a set of feature symbols are used instead of the set of base game symbols (e.g., at block 260). An example of a plurality of feature symbols displayed to a player during a feature game is shown in FIG. 9 a. Each of the feature symbols represents a prize which may be won by the player if a defined symbol combination occurs including the feature symbol, such as 5 of the same feature symbols. A player has the option of selecting a desired prize (e.g., block 262) and when the player does this the displayed feature symbols are held for the subsequent reel spin (e.g., block 264). In the present example, the player selects one or more of the displayed feature symbols corresponding to the desired prize using the touch screen 27 in association with the prize selector 46, which determines the prize sought by the player. An outcome is assessed (e.g., block 266), the selected prize is paid, if applicable (e.g., block 268), and more spins are executed if available to the player (e.g., block 270).

In the present example, three types of progressive bonus are available—Major, Minor and Mini—wherein a major progressive represents the largest possible bonus amount, but the least likelihood of success, and a mini progressive represents the smallest possible bonus amount, but the highest likelihood of success. In addition, prizes corresponding to 50, 100, 200, 300, 1000 and 1500 credits, and corresponding to 5 and 10 free spins are available for selection.

In the example shown in FIG. 9 a, a player has selected “minor” which corresponds to a minor progressive bonus by selecting “minor” symbols 304, for example using the touch screen 27, or using dedicated buttons provided on the gaming machine console.

The selected “minor” symbols 304 are held at their respective display positions, for example by holding the reels associated with the selected “minor” symbols, the other reels which do not contain selected “minor” symbol are spun.

After the reels are spun again, the symbols shown in FIG. 9 b are displayed. As can be seen, the symbols disposed in the second and third reels were held from the previous spin, and a “minor” symbol 304 now appears in the fifth reel. The player has the option of either continuing to attempt to obtain a prize corresponding to the minor progressive bonus, or of deselecting the selected “minor” symbols and selecting a different prize. In the present example, the player maintains the previous selections and also selects the “minor” symbol in the fifth reel.

The selected “minor” symbols 304 are again held at their respective display positions, for example by holding the reels associated with the selected “minor” symbols, the other reels which do not contain a “minor” symbol are spun.

After the reels are spun again, the symbols shown in FIG. 9 c are displayed. As can be seen, the symbols disposed in the second, third and fifth reels were held from the previous spin, and “minor” symbols 304 now appear in the first and fourth reels. The display now corresponds to a winning outcome since 5 “minor” symbols are displayed, and the player received a prize corresponding to a minor progressive bonus.

The game then reverts to normal game mode and all converted symbols revert back to the original symbols (e.g., block 252).

In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Several embodiments are described above with reference to the drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of the present invention. However, describing the invention with drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

The present invention contemplates methods, systems and program products on any electronic device and/or machine-readable media suitable for accomplishing its operations. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using an existing computer processor and/or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or another purpose or by a hardwired system, for example.

Embodiments within the scope of the present invention include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. 

1. A gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of the symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes available to a player; a prize selector arranged to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the player, the gaming system being arranged to hold the or each player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector; an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists after at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate the selected prize to the player when a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.
 2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prize is associated with a progressive bonus.
 3. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the progressive bonus is such that multiple gaming machines contribute towards a bonus prize pool, and a player of any of the gaming machines is able to win at least part of the bonus pool if the outcome evaluator determines that a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.
 4. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the progressive bonus is managed remotely from the gaming machines.
 5. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the progressive bonus is such that one gaming machine contributes towards a bonus prize pool, and a player of the gaming machine is able to win at least part of the bonus pool if the outcome evaluator determines that a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.
 6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the progressive bonus is managed locally by the gaming machine.
 7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 2, wherein multiple progressive prize types are available.
 8. A gaming system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the multiple progressive prize types correspond to different prize amounts and corresponding different likelihoods of winning the prize.
 9. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a prize is in the form of a defined number of free spins or a defined number of credits.
 10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the prize selector is arranged to facilitate further selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player, and the display controller is arranged to hold the or each further player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector.
 11. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the prize selector is arranged to facilitate 2 further selections of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player.
 12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 10, wherein during further selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player, the prize selector is arranged to facilitate selection of additional displayed symbols corresponding to previously selected symbols and thereby continued selection of the prize sought by the player, or deselection of previously selected symbols and selection of different symbols corresponding to a different prize sought by the player.
 13. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a touch screen and/or buttons in operative communication with the prize selector and used by the prize selector to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player.
 14. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gaming system is arranged to operate in normal game mode wherein at least one base game is implemented using a set of base symbols, and special game mode wherein at least one feature game is implemented using feature symbols, wherein during a feature game: the symbol selector is arranged to select a plurality of feature symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of the feature symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes available to player; the prize selector is arranged to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed feature symbols by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the player; the display controller is arranged to hold the or each player selected feature symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector; the outcome evaluator is arranged to determine whether a winning combination including the at least one player selected feature symbol exists; and the prize allocator is arranged to allocate the selected prize to the player when a winning combination including the at least one player selected feature symbol exists.
 15. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode when a specific game outcome occurs.
 16. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gaming system is arranged to commence special game mode on the basis of a game event occurring during a base game such as display of a particular base symbol or a particular combination of base symbols, in response to player input, based on the amount or type of bet placed, or when a feature game is purchased by a player.
 17. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gaming system is implemented as a stand alone gaming machine or across a network.
 18. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein one or more of the symbol selector, prize selector, prize allocator and the outcome evaluator is constituted, at least in part, by a processor executing program code stored in a memory.
 19. A gaming system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gaming system comprises a game play mechanism operable to place a wager and the outcome evaluator evaluates the outcome based on the wager.
 20. A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of the symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes available to player; facilitating selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the player; holding the or each player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector; determining whether a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists; and allocating the selected prize to the player when a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists.
 21. A computer readable medium having computer readable program code including instructions which, when executed, instruct the computer to implement a gaming system, the gaming system comprising: a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, at least some of the symbols including indicia indicative of respective prizes available to a player; a prize selector arranged to facilitate selection of at least one of the displayed symbols by a player and thereby selection of a prize sought by the player, the gaming system being arranged to hold the or each player selected symbol at the or each respective display position for at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector; an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists after at least one subsequent selection of symbols by the symbol selector; and a prize allocator arranged to allocate the selected prize to the player when a winning combination including the at least one player selected symbol exists. 